Power’s Powerful ‘Fiorello!' Blossoms Again

Talent abounds on the black box stage at Timeline's revival of their 2006 smash hit Fiorello!, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock's Pulitzer Prize winning musical based on the early life of the most popular Mayor of New York City, Fiorello LaGuardia. With a few new lyrics and support from Mr. Harnick himself, most of the original Timeline cast in place with a few star turning new additions, this masterful remounting is a sure fire hit once again. Director Nick Bowling as created a living memorial to this remarkable man who, as an attorney, took on the cases for the downtrodden, fought the unions and had the respect and admiration of everyone that worked at his small firm. Fiorello's life was a game of follow the leader, and he was the leader by choice. From his military service to being a family man to being the leader of the most influential city in the world, LaGuardia was a complex man with complex ideas.

PJ Powers portrayal of Fiorello is a powerhouse of emotions. Evolving from altruistic lawyer to the manic politician, Powers takes the audience on a ride of historical proportions. Joining Powers on this journey is a phenomenal supporting cast. Rebecca Finnegan's Marie, Fiorello's equivalent to Perry Mason's Della Street, generates such reserved poise and presence that all she needs to do is give a simple glance and her emotions are levied to the audience. Finnegan's booming alto makes her aria, ‘The Very Next Man' worthy of a standing ovation. Andrea Prestinario is emphatically real as LaGuardia's doomed first wife, Thea. [Though not mentioned in the musical, Thea also gave birth to a daughter and both Thea and Fiorello's daughter died within weeks of each other.] Terry Hamilton gives great heart and humanity to his Ben Marino, and has some of the most memorable moments in the produciton.

Fiorello! is an ensemble show with several vocally complex production numbers, and musical director Douglas Peck has worked choral precision with the cast. The male chorus (Steve Best, Andy Nagrah, Dan Loftus, Thomas M. Shea and Joe Savino) are pitch perfect in their numbers ‘Politics and Poker', ‘The Bum Won' and ‘Little Tin Box'. For the ladies, Donica Lynn blows the rafters off the theatre in her show stopping ‘Gentlemen Jimmy'.

Choreographer Linda Fortunato has successfully created some technically challenging dance numbers all within Kevin Hagan's remarkably layered and functionally lavish set. Mike Tutaj talents are maximally utilized with the fantastic and informative projections (a throwback to Harold Prince's Evita) and a wonderfully balanced sound design.

Fiorello! Is a must see for those who love history and those who just love a great night of musical theatre.

Fiorello! plays through June 15, 2008 at the Timeline Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657. For ticket information and show times, please visit www.timelinetheatre.com

Photo 1: - Political boss Ben Marino (Terry Hamilton, standing) asks political hacks (from left, Andy Nagraj, Dan Loftus, Thomas M. Shea, and Steve Best), "Which is more important, politics or poker?" in TimeLine Theatre's remount of its award-winning musical FIORELLO!, book by Jerome Weidman and George Abbott, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, directed by Nick Bowling, musical direction by Doug Peck, April 13 – June 15, 2008. For complete information, visit www.timelinetheatre.com. Photo by Lara Goetsch.

Photo 2: — Fiorello H. LaGuardia (PJ Powers, standing top) stirs up support among New York voters in TimeLine Theatre's remount of its award-winning musical FIORELLO! Photo by Lara Goetsch.